The horror genre, replete with remakes, reboots, and sequels, eagerly embraces directorial debuts, especially when they bring fresh and compelling ideas. Ishana Night Shyamalan, the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, steps onto the scene with heightened anticipation.

Boasting a star-studded cast, including Dakota Fanning and Georgina Campbell, and a trailer brimming with mystery and intrigue, The Watchers has captured the attention of many, sparking hopes for a distinct and captivating new voice in filmmaking. While the film showcases impressive visuals and strong performances, its tendency to over-explain detracts from the narrative, leaving room for improvement in the storyline.

 In the untamed wilderness of western Ireland, a 28-year-old artist's journey takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself marooned in a vast, untouched forest. As she seeks refuge, unaware of the lurking dangers that surround her, she becomes unwittingly trapped alongside three strangers. Enigmatic creatures haunt their nights, relentlessly stalking them and casting a shadow of fear over their every move.

 Nestled deep within the Irish countryside lies The Watchers, an eerie and ominous forest. Upon stepping inside, an inescapable darkness envelops the viewer, augmented by the film's visually alluring yet menacing color palette. The towering trees, reminiscent of a Grimm fairy tale, seem to stretch endlessly, crafting an atmosphere both familiar and awe-inspiring. Shyamalan's expert craftsmanship brings her envisioned world to life, captivating audiences with her unique artistic vision.

Abel Korzeniowski's haunting and enchanting score perfectly complements the film's immersive cinematic experience, evoking a sense of ominous allure. Shyamalan's unwavering confidence in her storytelling shines through, resulting in a film that pays homage to classic Grimm fairy tales while firmly establishing its place within the folk horror sub-genre. The film's strength lies in its immersive visuals and atmosphere, cementing The Watchers as a significant contribution to the genre.

 In The Watchers, Shyamalan wastes no time building tension. The meticulously crafted horror unfolds slowly, creating a pervasive sense of unease in every frame. She skillfully employs the fear of the unknown, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The film maintains intrigue by withholding the true horrors, creating a consistently engaging experience. The initial horror is framed by creepy, rustling trees, looming landscapes, and birds frantically flapping away at sunset. While familiar, the film effectively achieves an immersive atmosphere. When the watchers finally emerge from behind the trees, the horror truly takes shape. The creature design is not just scary, but cleverly utilizes darkness and surroundings to maximize terror. Shyamalan understands that unseen horror villains are more terrifying, a technique effectively employed throughout the film. Despite a few formulaic jump scares and some shoddy effects in the third act, the overall horror works, providing an unnerving experience.

Dakota Fanning shines as the lead character, Mina, who is still dealing with the trauma of her mother's death 15 years ago. Fanning delivers an emotional performance, capturing Mina's isolation and hidden pain. Georgina Campbell continues her impressive streak, following her acclaimed roles in Barbarian, Lovely, Dark, and Deep. While the script for The Watchers doesn't allow her to showcase the same range, she excels as Ciara, another individual stalked by the Watchers. Olwen Fouere, the oldest of the group, exudes natural leadership as Madeline. She guides the newcomers, instilling doubt in their minds. Newcomer Oliver Finnegan completes the cast as Daniel, a character whose naivety and determination make him both intriguing and unreliable. The entire cast delivers strong performances, driving the story forward and keeping the audience invested.

 Shyamalan's The Watchers holds outstanding promise, blending unique folk horror elements with an intriguing mystery, striking cinematography, and captivating performances. The atmospheric and eerie visuals create memorable moments, showcasing the director's talent for crafting unsettling tales. However, a clunky script hinders the story's potential.

While the film successfully builds a sense of suspense and leaves viewers yearning for answers, the exposition-heavy monologues and repetitive interactions among characters detract from the impact of the reveals. The script's tendency to over-explain simple beats and ideas undermines the film's ability to let the visuals and performances convey the story. Additionally, some of the CGI and effects appear lackluster compared to the beauty of the first two acts, pushing the visual boundaries too far.

The film's pacing may also be a deterrent for some viewers, as it tends to drag in certain sections. The Watchers raises the question of whether excessive exposition can overshadow the story's impact, even though many appreciate mysteries neatly wrapped up by the end.

 Despite these shortcomings, The Watchers showcases Shyamalan's skill in creating an intriguing and unsettling atmosphere. With some finer tuning to the script to allow the visuals and performances to carry the story, the film could have achieved greatness.